Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Pope Leo XIV hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Castel Gandolfo on Tuesday, offering prayers for the safe return of Ukrainian prisoners of war and children.
The two met at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo, about 16 miles southeast of Rome. On Monday, Zelensky announced to journalists on WhatsApp that Ukraine will not cede any land to Russia in the peace talks brokered by President Donald Trump.
"We have no legal right -- under Ukrainian law, under our constitution, under international law -- and honestly, we have no moral right, either," Zelensky said.
The pope reiterated the importance of ongoing dialogue and again stressed his "urgent hope that ongoing diplomatic efforts will lead to a just and lasting peace," Vatican News said.
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